How to travel

Search

Airbnb hosts share their spaces in 190 countries and more than 34,000 cities. All you have to do is enter your destination and travel dates into the search bar to discover distinctive places to stay, anywhere in the world.

Tools that help you search

We display photos of listings, host profiles, and reviews to help you make informed decisions when considering a host's space. We've also created search filters so you can narrow your results by type of accommodation, price, and location. For example, if you’re looking to make friends and stay with a host, select Private Room or Shared Room. Or if you’re looking for an entire space to call your own, go ahead and select the Entire Place filter.

Contacting hosts to book a stay

Once you complete your profile to give hosts a good idea of the kind of guest you are, you can request to book a host's space by clicking the Contact Host or Request to Book buttons, or you can use Instant Book to confirm your stay without having to wait for a host's approval.

Book

There are a few ways to book spaces on Airbnb. Some hosts want to get to know a guest before they confirm a reservation while others prefer to reduce the time it takes to manage requests by using Airbnb's Instant Book feature.

Buttons to book a stay on Airbnb

The Request to Book button sends a reservation request to a host for the specific trip dates you select. The host has the option to either accept or decline the request, or ask you questions about your trip. When a host responds to your request, we send you an email to let you know. If they don't respond within 24 hours, your request simply expires.

The Instant Book button immediately confirms your reservation and closes the host's calendar to other incoming requests. We send you a receipt by email with your trip's details, and your host may follow up with you, too.

The Contact Host button lets you start a conversation about their space and hosting style through our secure messaging system. You can use our messaging system to discuss trip details, request special prices, or ask about specific amenities.

Payment and confirmation

Whether you use the Request to Book button or the Instant Book button, we'll ask for your payment details so we can hold your reservation.

If you use the Request to Book button to send a request, the host has 24 hours to respond. We won't charge your payment method until the host accepts your reservation. Once the host accepts, we process your payment and send you a congratulatory email that includes your receipt, trip details, and best wishes for a great trip. If you don't hear back within 24 hours, your request automatically expires.

If you use the Instant Book button, your reservation will be immediately confirmed and we'll process your payment right away.

Travel

Once you know where you’re traveling and whose space you'll be staying in, all you have to do is get going!

Before you get there

Send a message to your host to arrange a check-in time and arrival details like picking up the key. Then download the Airbnb app so you can stay in the know while on the go.

We'll send you an email that includes your trip itinerary, receipt, and host contact information. You can also view your reservation details, alter your plans, or cancel your reservation from the My Trips section on your personal account page.

During your trip

We encourage you to have the time of your life! Enjoy your host's home and city as if it were a friend's, and remember to be considerate of your neighbors. If any issues arise during your trip, be sure to get in touch with your host. In most cases, they'll be the person best equipped to help you. If your host can't solve the problem, please contact us.

After you travel

Write a review about your host and their space so other travelers can learn through your experience. Your host will also have a chance to write a review for you, too. Then, pick the next place you'd love to go and find a space on Airbnb!